Jordan Pickford

They play in front of packed stadiums every week and race around circuits in excess of 300km. But not even the English Premier League or F1 can prepare your for the nerve-jangling experience of teeing it up alongside a DP World Tour star.

So it proved in the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am on Wednesday.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, two regular England international team-mates, joined compatriot Lee Westwood in a glamour group on the eve of the $8 million Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club.

Pickford later admitted he found the round more nerve-wracking than keeping goal for his country.

“I loved it really. Even though I play in front of 40,000 people every week, I’m out of my comfort zone here – it was a bit nerve-wracking,” said the Goodison Park custodian, before joking: “Normally my handicap is eight but I think I played off about 28 today. I thoroughly enjoyed it though and I learned a lot playing with a top professional like Westy. I’ve not played many courses abroad, so this was an amazing opportunity.”

Jordan Pickford & Harry Maguire

Manchester United skipper Maguire, who plays off a six handicap, was delighted to interrupt a mid-season break from club football with his first Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am appearance. 

“I enjoyed it, the course is amazing and to get the chance to play with Lee and score a few birdies was great. We’ve been looked after really well, it has been a lovely day overall.”

McLaren Racing star Lando Norris swapped the high-octane thrills and spills of the F1 cockpit for the Majlis Course fairways. The 22-year-old, taking part in his first ever Pro-Am event, teed off in a group with Austrian pro Bernd Wiesberger and admitted to being a bundle of nerves.

Lando Norris

“I was very nervous for the first few holes,” said Norris. “I was shaking on the first few tee shots, but I ended up playing much better than I thought I would. Normally I play a relaxed round with mates, so this was very different – a lot more pressure!

“The course was incredible, and it was great to play with Bernd. It is very interesting to watch a professional at the top of his game in a different sport, to see his approach and his mentality, especially when I am at the bottom level of his sport! It was lovely to get some time away from the cold of the UK, and great to relax as I will be straight back to work when I go home.”